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xi A C K N O W L E D G M E N T S AS I contemplate the path that this project followed over the years, I am reminded of the many obligations I incurred. Like many first books, this one emerged from my dissertation. At the University of Chicago, I worked with outstanding professors who daily offered new intellectual challenges. I am particularly grateful to my dissertation committee. Kathleen Neils Conzen, the committee chair, has been a teacher, colleague, and friend. Her unfailingly critical eye and her constant encouragement made this project possible. Kathy is the mentor we all hope to find in graduate school and aspire to emulate in our careers. William Novak’s ability to discern the larger themes underlying my work proved essential and his unbridled enthusiasm kept me going when my own lagged. I worked with Michael Conzen on the dissertation and on other projects that expanded my professional horizons, and through his introduction to historical geography, reexamined how I interpret the world. The University of Chicago’s Department of History attracts talented graduate students whose intellect is matched by their generosity. Gabi Arredondo, Andrew Cohen, Jonathan Keyes, Andrew Sandoval-Strauss, and many others supported me in my academic career. The heroic Drew Digby and Cathleen Cahill read large parts of the dissertation and manuscript. Diane Brady and David Goodwine in the history office always offered good cheer. With the support of Ted Steck and the Environmental Studies Committee, I was privileged to teach the first environmental history course at the University of Chicago. I thank my fellow Maroons. The University of Chicago financially supported my graduate education and research with Century Scholarships, the Von Holst Prize, and the Harry Barnard Dissertation Fellowship, which his family generously supports . Additionally, the American Historical Association’s LittletonGriswold Research Grant helped finance time in Colorado. Richard White, Jim Grossman, the Newberry Library, and the American Library Association invited me to work on other projects that deepened my understanding of the West. I appreciate the kind assistance and amazing talents y of the staff members at the Colorado Historical Society, the Colorado State Archives, the Denver Public Library, and the Regenstein Library at the University of Chicago. The University of Tennessee SARIF-EPPE fund supported the creation of a map by Wendi Lee Arms. My thanks to both. My intellectual debts are numerous. I presented aspects of this book at various conferences and received insightful comments from Carol O’Connor, John Findlay, David Goldfield, James Connolly, and Ari Kelman. Among the many scholars whose work shaped my ideas are William Cronon, Timothy Mahoney, Donald Worster, Donald Pisani, William Robbins, Elliott West, Carl Abbott, Howard Lamar, and Tom Noel. As a new professor, it is difficult to imagine better colleagues than I found at the University of Tennessee. Lorri Glover is a true and wonderful friend who always makes me laugh. She, J. B. Finger, and Steve Ash read the manuscript and guided this novice through the intricacies of publishing . Their suggestions strengthened the arguments and the writing, while I alone remain responsible for any flaws. Bruce Wheeler’s commitment to the department and the American musical is awe inspiring. Palmira Brummett is a good friend with good advice. Tom Burman, Jeff Sahadeo, Todd Diacon, Vejas Liulevicus, Janis Appier, Kim Harrison, Penny Hamilton, Shirley Walker, and the other Volunteers make every day in the office fun. I am grateful to the editors and the anonymous reader at the University of New Mexico for their support and criticisms. Durwood Ball took a chance on a first-time author. David Holtby, Evelyn Schlatter, and Floyce Alexander saw me through the completion of this project. And thanks to Katherine Osburn for the first word to the editors. Many good friends grace my life. Special thanks to Kathy Schurr, the Brittons, the Quinlans, the Brismans, Patty Stewart, and Kay Cessna. I owe my greatest debt to my family—Joe and Colleen, Peter and Betsy, Tim and Barb, Mary Clare and Tom. They offered unstinting moral support when others might have questioned the changes I made in my life. They remain my inspiration. Words are insufficient to express my gratitude. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS xii ...

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